Indian Hedgehog Suppresses a Stromal Cell-Driven Intestinal Immune Response.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

Upon intestinal epithelial damage a complex wound healing response is initiated to restore epithelial integrity and defend against pathogenic invasion. Epithelium-derived Indian Hedgehog (Ihh) functions as a critical sensor in this process. Signaling occurs in a paracrine manner because the receptor for Ihh is expressed only in the mesenchyme, but the exact Hedgehog target cell has remained elusive. The aim of this study was to elucidate further the nature of this target cell in the context of intestinal inflammation.

Methods

Hedgehog activity was modulated genetically in both cell type-specific and body-wide models and the resulting animals were analyzed for gene expression profiles and sensitivity for dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) colitis. To characterize

SUBMITTER: Westendorp BF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5738458 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature